Solving the Housing Crisis:

HDB was set up to resolve the housing shortage in Singapore and improve housing conditions. HDB did that through five year plans. The first five year plan was to build as many houses as quickly and as cheaply as possible. 150 000 units of flats had to be built in 10 years to clear the slums and squatters and relieve overcrowding. Housing estates were built within 8km of the city centre. Some landowners were reluctant to give up their land and thus the HDB used the Land Acquisition Act which enabled them to acquire the land from the landowners and compensate them. 50 000 units of flats were built in the first five years, controlling the housing shortage.

Maximizing Land Use:

HDB built high-rise, high-density flats to maximize land use, e.g. Tanglin Halt and Queenstown. These blocks could go up to 25 stories and had their own shops and markets. Each flat had its own kitchens and toilets which was much better than the slums which had shared facilities. These flats were mainly rented.

Self-contained towns:

Towns were built away from the city centre to relieve congestion in the city centre. This towns were independent from the city centre and had their own shopping centres, bus terminals, schools and industrial estates to provide people with jobs. They also had better design and facilities.

Home Ownership Scheme:

Government encouraged home ownership right from the start. It gave people a greater sense of belonging, sense of pride and loyalty to the country. It was also a form of financial security. People who rented flats could buy the same flats at a discount, motivating people to work harder and get a stake in the country. The government helped by allowing citizens to utilise CPF for pay for flats or pay for the flats with monthly installments over a period of 5-10 years.

Social Cohesion:

Different racial groups settled in the same estate or block and shared common facilities with each other, thus is was very important for people of different races to live together in harmony. There were community centers to serve as meeting places for neighbours and for activities to bond people together. The government noticed that there was a higher proportion of racial groups in certain places and thus, they limited the proportion of races in a every block and estate so that different races reside in the same block of flats. Activities were organized to strengthen bonds and for people to interact and learn how to tolerate and understand each other.

Housing for middle income group:

Due to the thriving economy, standards of living went up and so did property prices. Thus, the middle income groups could not afford private homes while at the same time, they exceeded the maximum income required to own HDB flats. They were the 'sandwiched' class. HDB responded by raising the maximum income for home ownership several times. Finally, the HUDC built flats for the middle income group. They had designs and locations comparable to private houses and cost cheaper than private houses. Executive Condominiums were also built to satisfy the desire of middle income groups who have the desire to own private homes but cannot afford to. These flats are built near HDB estates and have better designs and finishes. They also have facilities such as swimming pools and tennis courts and are privatized after 5 years.

Sense of Belonging - Precinct Concept:

It is the basic planning unit of the town. A precinct consists of 4 to 8 blocks and each precinct has a central place and a few basic facilities. They help enhance the sense of belonging to homes and helps build community spirit. RCs organize activities that involve the precinct like mass cleaning up days. RCs are also involved in home matters, environmental matters and maintaining security.

Meeting needs of single citizens:

Increasing number of single citizens wanted their own homes but were neither eligible for HDB flats nor could they afford private houses. The HDB allowed those who were at least 35 to buy resale flats and introduced the CPF Housing Grant to help them buy flats.

Meeting needs of senior citizens:

Studio apartments were introduced. These apartments have non-slip floorings and had pull-cords linked to the block's alarm system. They facilitate mobility and independent learning. They are also close the activity centres for social interaction, shops and facilities. They also have handrails, lifts that stop at every floor, easier to open windows and pedestal toilets.

Renewing of older estates:

75% of the estate or block must agree to this upgrading works which include upgrading of old towns, improving of lift lobby, additional linkways, covered shelters, children's playground, BBQ pits, new balcony or utility rooms and bird viewing corners. The costs will be shared between the government and flat owners.

Hmm finished =P Dunno if need to memorise why HDB was successful though. Haiz dao la (: Now i shall go revise for chemistry quiz.